Issue Number 536            July 5, 2005

CONTENTS OF THIS ISSUE

1. New: NIP posts CDC's 2005 "Vaccine Management" booklet on its website
2. CDC posts Influenza Vaccine Bulletin #1 for 2005-06 on its influenza web section
3. CDC reports on influenza activity in the United States and worldwide during the 2004-05 season
4. Arizona Department of Health Services reports 500 pertussis cases and one infant death
5. CDC notifies MMWR readers about the July 28 satellite broadcast "Immunization Update 2005"
6. Update: IAC revises educational pieces to include information on two newly licensed vaccines
7. Reminder: Use these online promotional materials to advertise National Immunization Awareness Month in August
8. Correction: IAC revises information it published about CMS's reimbursement for administering influenza vaccinations
9. VIS translations: IAC posts Haitian Creole VISs for measles-mumps-rubella vaccine and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
10. WHO's email bulletin service "Disease Outbreak News" reports first case of polio in Angola since 2001

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ABBREVIATIONS: AAFP, American Academy of Family Physicians; AAP, American Academy of Pediatrics; ACIP, Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices; CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; FDA, Food and Drug Administration; IAC, Immunization Action Coalition; MMWR, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report; NIP, National Immunization Program; VIS, Vaccine Information Statement; VPD, vaccine-preventable disease; WHO, World Health Organization.
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July 5, 2005
NEW: NIP POSTS CDC'S 2005 "VACCINE MANAGEMENT" BOOKLET ON ITS WEBSITE

On June 28, NIP posted on its website the 2005 edition of "Vaccine Management: Recommendations for Storage and Handling of Selected Biologicals." The 12-page booklet presents the following information on the biologicals it covers: shipping requirements, condition upon arrival, storage requirements, shelf life, instructions for use, shelf life after opening, and special instructions.

Following are the various vaccines, combination vaccines, toxoids, and immune globulins covered:

• Tetanus/diphtheria-containing toxoids (DT, Td)
• Diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis-containing toxoids/vaccines (DTaP, DTaP/Hib, DTaP/HepB/IPV)
• Tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis-containing toxoids/vaccine (Tdap)
• Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG)
• Hepatitis-containing vaccines (Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis A/B, hepatitis B/Hib)
• Haemophilus influezae type b conjugate vaccine (Hib)
• Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV)
• Trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV)
• Live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV)
• Measles, mumps, and/or rubella vaccines (MMR, MR, measles virus vaccine, mumps virus vaccine, rubella virus vaccine)
• Meningococcal conjugate vaccine, groups A, C, Y, W-135 (MCV4)
• Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine, groups A, C, Y, W-135 (MPSV4)
• Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, 7-valent (PCV7)
• Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, polyvalent (PPV23)
• Varicella vaccine

The booklet also contains a list of manufacturer quality-control-office telephone numbers, based on information from July 2004.

To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the entire booklet, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/vac_mgt_book.pdf

To access information from the NIP website, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/vac_mgt_book.htm
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July 5, 2005
CDC POSTS INFLUENZA VACCINE BULLETIN #1 FOR 2005-06 ON ITS INFLUENZA WEB SECTION

On June 29, NIP issued Influenza Vaccine Bulletin #1. It is reprinted below in its entirety with the exception of a small section on upcoming events.

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INFLUENZA VACCINE BULLETIN #1
Influenza Season 2005-06
June 29, 2005

The National Immunization Program (NIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes and distributes periodic bulletins to update partners about recent developments related to the production, distribution, and administration of influenza vaccine. All recipients of this bulletin are encouraged to distribute each issue widely to colleagues, members, and constituents.


INFLUENZA VACCINE SUPPLY AND PRODUCTION

2005-2006 INFLUENZA VACCINE STRAINS:
The Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) met on February 16-17, 2005, to determine the influenza vaccine formulation for the United States for the upcoming season. The formulation includes two viruses from last year's vaccine [A/New Caledonia/20/99(H1N1)-like and B/Shanghai/361/2002-like] and one new virus [A/California/7/2004(H3N2-like)]. For the A/California/7/2004(H3N2)-like antigen, manufacturers may use the antigenically equivalent A/New York/55/2004, and for the B/Shanghai/361/2002-like antigen, manufacturers may use the antigenically equivalent B/Jilin/20/2003 virus or B/Jiangsu/10/2003 virus.

PROJECTION FOR 2005-2006 INFLUENZA VACCINE SUPPLY COMPARED TO 2004-05:
According to data provided by the manufacturers, total influenza vaccine production in 2004 was approximately 61 million doses, substantially less than the original number of doses planned by licensed manufacturers. The reduced 2004 production was linked to suspension of Chiron's license by the British regulatory authority, (MHRA), resulting in a loss of nearly half the projected U.S. supply. For 2005, projections of production remain uncertain. Sanofi pasteur representatives have announced publicly that they plan to produce between 50 and 60 million doses, and MedImmune representatives indicate that about 3 million doses of their Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV) will be available. Meanwhile, Chiron's Liverpool facility is making changes in response to inspectional observations from both MHRA and FDA. If Chiron is able to complete its remediation plan and secure FDA approval, company officials indicate they plan to produce 18-26 million doses for use in the U.S. In late May, GlaxoSmithKline submitted a Biologics License Application to the FDA for its influenza vaccine, and that application is currently under review by the FDA. Company officials have indicated that if their application is approved, they plan to sell about 10 million doses for adults in the U.S.

ORDERING INFLUENZA VACCINE:

• Following is a statement from sanofi pasteur on June 23, 2005, about ordering and pre-booking of their influenza vaccine:
  
  "The pre-booking process this year has been challenging due to the marketplace's uncertainty about the supply of influenza vaccine and sanofi pasteur's ability to meet only a portion of the nation's over-all needs. Sanofi pasteur went to great lengths to develop a pre-booking approach that would result in the distribution of vaccine to a broad range of providers in a manner designed to support the recommendations of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  
  "As in previous years, sanofi pasteur closed its pre-booking activities on June 1 and cannot process further pre-book requests for multi-dose vials or 0.5mL syringes. However, Fluzone, Influenza Virus Vaccine, No Preservative: Pediatric Dose (0.25mL syringes) remains fully available to all immunization providers."
   
• MedImmune still has quantities of its live attenuated vaccine (FluMist) available for pre-booking.
   
• Providers may need to explore several potential sources to find influenza vaccine that is still available for pre-booking.

INFLUENZA VACCINE DISTRIBUTION AND ADMINISTRATION

DISTRIBUTION TOTALS FOR THE 2004-05 INFLUENZA SEASON:
During the 2004-05 influenza vaccination campaign, manufacturers distributed approximately 57.1 million doses of vaccine, substantially less than the estimated 83.1 million during the 2003-04 season.

UPDATE ON MEDICARE PAYMENT FOR PURCHASE/ADMINISTRATION OF INFLUENZA VACCINE:

• Based on Medicare's 2005 Physician Fee Schedule, the average payment rate for administration of influenza and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines to Medicare beneficiaries has increased substantially from an average of $8.21 per dose to $18.57 per dose. Rates vary by locale and range from $14.82 to $31.01. To find the rate in your locale, go to:
  www.cms.hhs.gov/medlearn/refimmu.asp
   
• Medicare's 2005 payment rate for influenza vaccine has not yet been determined but is expected to rise proportionally in response to the price increases observed this year. (The payment for vaccine is in addition to payment for its administration.)

COST FOR INFLUENZA VACCINE:
Prices for influenza vaccine this year have increased over last year. Purchasers should check with their regular sources of vaccine to determine exact cost. The least expensive price per dose will be for the 10-dose vial presentation, while product packaged in pre-filled syringes will be more expensive.

LATEST INFLUENZA VACCINE COVERAGE DATA:

INFLUENZA VACCINE COMMUNICATIONS AND RESOURCES

CHANGES TO RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE 2005-06 INFLUENZA SEASON:
On February 10-11, 2005, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met in Atlanta to consider updates to its annual influenza vaccination recommendations. The updated version for the 2005-06 influenza season will be published in the Morbidity Mortality Weekly Report either in late June or July 2005. In addition to an updated vaccine formulation, changes to the recommendations include the following:

• Persons with any condition (e.g., cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders or other neuromuscular disorders) that can compromise respiratory function or the handling of respiratory secretions or that can increase the risk of aspiration should be vaccinated against influenza;
   
• All healthcare personnel should be vaccinated against influenza, and facilities that employ healthcare workers should be encouraged to provide vaccine to workers in ways that maximize uptake;
   
• LAIV should be considered for vaccination of healthy persons 5-49 years of age, including healthcare personnel and other persons in close contact with groups at high risk and people wanting to avoid influenza. During periods when inactivated vaccine is in short supply, use of LAIV is encouraged when feasible for eligible persons (including healthcare personnel) because use of LAIV by these persons may increase availability of inactivated vaccine for persons in high-risk groups;
   
• CDC and other agencies will (1) assess the vaccine supply, (2) make recommendations in the summer regarding the need for tiered timing of vaccination of different risk groups, and (3) publish ACIP recommendations regarding tiering in a separate document.

CDC INFLUENZA VACCINE COMMUNICATIONS UPDATE:
For the 2005-06 influenza season, CDC will have information and updates for the public, providers, and the press available on its website (www.cdc.gov/flu), as well as its annual educational print materials for the public and providers. Electronic files of campaign materials will be available for download from the CDC Flu Gallery website beginning in late August. CDC will continue to make appropriate materials available over time, as more information about vaccine supply and tiering of priority groups within the recommendations becomes available.

NATIONAL INFLUENZA VACCINE SUMMIT OVERVIEW:
Since 2001, the CDC's National Immunization Program and the American Medical Association (AMA) have co-sponsored the National Influenza Vaccine Summit, an informal collaboration of organizations involved in influenza vaccination in the United States. The Summit has met once or more each year since then, most recently in Chicago on May 10-11, 2005. The Summit brought together 154 representatives from 85 public, private, and non-profit organizations--all stakeholders in the annual effort to administer influenza vaccine to over 193 million high-priority individuals each year.

Summit participants identified three influenza vaccination themes in 2005-06:

1. Lack of knowledge, indifference, and/or frustration among the general public, priority persons, and healthcare providers,
2. Stability of influenza vaccine supply, and
3. Crisis planning regarding vaccine supply and pandemic influenza.

The Summit will further refine action steps developed for these three themes in breakout groups and will implement those in 2005-06. For more information, visit the Summit website at www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/13732.html

RESOURCE MATERIALS:
"Improving Influenza Vaccination Rates in Healthcare Workers: Strategies to Increase Protection for Workers and Patients"—

This 21-page monograph, released by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), is an all-inclusive report with detailed information about influenza immunization rates among healthcare workers and strategies healthcare institutions can use to improve annual influenza vaccination rates among employees. You may download the entire document at www.nfid.org/publications/hcwmonograph.pdf

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports--Review recently published Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports (MMWRs) related to influenza by clicking on http://www.cdc.gov/flu or on the following links:

• For information on 2005-influenza vaccine pre-booking and distribution strategies, go to "Influenza Vaccine Pre-booking and Distribution Strategies for the 2005-06 Influenza Season" at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5412a4.htm
   
• To see the full report on BRFSS data from the 2004-05 season, visit "Estimated Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Adults and Children--United States, September 1, 2004-January 31, 2005" at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5412a3.htm
   
• A complete report on strategies for increasing adult vaccination coverage rates is available at "Improving Influenza, Pneumococcal Polysaccharide, and Hepatitis B Vaccination Coverage Among Adults Aged <65 Years at High Risk--A Report on Recommendations of the Task Force on Community Preventive Services" at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5405a1.htm
   
• For more on improving influenza vaccination coverage for healthcare workers, go to "Interventions to Increase Influenza Vaccination of Healthcare Workers--California and Minnesota" at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5408a2.htm
   
• Connecticut's analysis of influenza vaccine coverage among callers to its hotline is detailed at "Brief Report: Vaccination Coverage Among Callers to a State Influenza Hotline--Connecticut, 2004-05 Influenza Season" at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5408a3.htm

Influenza Vaccine Bulletins--

• Refer to previous bulletins at www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/flubulletin.htm Individual requests for subscriptions to the bulletin should be emailed to listserv@listserv.cdc.gov Type "subscribe flu-serve" in the body of the email.

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To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of Influenza Vaccine Bulletin #1, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/bulletin/pdf/2005-06/bulletin1_062905.pdf

To access a web-text (HTML) version of it, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/bulletin/2005-06/bulletin1_062905.htm
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July 5, 2005
CDC REPORTS ON INFLUENZA ACTIVITY IN THE UNITED STATES AND WORLDWIDE DURING THE 2004-05 SEASON

CDC published "Update: Influenza Activity--United States and Worldwide, 2004-05 Season" in the July 1 issue of MMWR. Portions of the press summary and the article are reprinted below.

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[From the press summary]
This report summarizes influenza activity in the United States and worldwide during the 2004–05 influenza season. During the 2004–05 influenza season, influenza A (H1), A (H3N2), and B viruses cocirculated worldwide, and influenza A (H3N2) viruses predominated. In addition, several Asian countries continued to report widespread outbreaks of avian influenza A (H5N1) among poultry; in Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia, these outbreaks were associated with severe illnesses and deaths among humans. In the United States, the 2004–05 influenza season peaked in February, was moderate, and was associated predominantly with influenza A (H3N2) viruses.

[From the article]
Pneumonia and Influenza-Related Mortality

As measured by the 122 Cities Mortality Reporting System, the percentage of deaths in the United States attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) exceeded the epidemic threshold during 8 consecutive weeks ending February 14-April 9, 2005, and peaked at 8.9% during the week ending March 5, 2005. The percentage of P&I deaths remained below the threshold through the weeks ending April 30-May 21, 2005. During the previous three influenza seasons, the peak percentage of P&I deaths ranged from 8.5% to 10.4%.

Influenza-Associated Pediatric Mortality

In October 2004, pediatric deaths (i.e., deaths in children aged <18 years) associated with laboratory-confirmed influenza infection became a nationally notifiable condition. For the 2004-05 influenza season, 36 pediatric deaths have been reported to CDC from 16 states (California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Vermont) and New York City; all deaths were reported during January-June 2005. . . .

Human Infections with Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Viruses

During January 2004-June 28, 2005, a total of 108 human cases of avian influenza A (H5N1) infection resulting in 54 deaths were reported in Vietnam (87 cases and 38 deaths), Thailand (17 cases and 12 deaths), and Cambodia (four cases and four deaths). From mid-December 2004 through June 28, 2005, a total of 60 cases (18 deaths) were reported in Vietnam, and four cases (four deaths) were reported in Cambodia. . . .

Editorial Note:

CDC continues to recommend enhanced surveillance for influenza A (H5N1) infection among travelers with severe unexplained respiratory illness returning from A (H5N1)-affected countries. Additional information is available at http://www.phppo.cdc.gov/HAN/ArchiveSys/ViewMsgV.asp?AlertNum=00221

Additional information on influenza, including avian influenza, is available at http://www.cdc.gov/flu Updates on human infections with avian influenza are available from the World Health Organization at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en
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To access a web-text (HTML) version of the complete article, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5425a3.htm

To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of this issue of MMWR, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5425.pdf

To receive a FREE electronic subscription to MMWR (which includes new ACIP statements), go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/mmwrsubscribe.html
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July 5, 2005
ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES REPORTS 500 PERTUSSIS CASES AND ONE INFANT DEATH

On June 21, the Arizona Department of Health Services issued a press release announcing that a statewide outbreak of pertussis had resulted in 500 confirmed or probable cases and one infant death. The majority of cases occurred in two counties, Maricopa and Pima, but cases have been reported in 11 other counties.

Susan Gerard, the state health director, reminded parents to ensure their children have been properly immunized against the disease and urged residents who exhibit symptoms to seek immediate medical care.

In May, Governor Janet Napolitano signed an executive order providing $500,000 to purchase newly available adolescent pertussis vaccine. The vaccine has been distributed to local health departments.

To access the complete press release, go to:
http://www.azdhs.gov/news/2005-all/pout.htm
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July 5, 2005
CDC NOTIFIES MMWR READERS ABOUT THE JULY 28 SATELLITE BROADCAST "IMMUNIZATION UPDATE 2005"

CDC published "Notice to Readers: Satellite Broadcast on Immunization Update 2005" in the July 1 issue of MMWR. The notice is reprinted below in its entirety.

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CDC's National Immunization Program and the Public Health Training Network will present a live satellite broadcast, "Immunization Update 2005," on July 28, 2005, from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. EDT, and a rebroadcast of the same program that day from 12:00 to 2:30 p.m. EDT. Both broadcasts will include a live question-and-answer session, during which participants nationwide can interact with course instructors via toll-free telephone lines.

This program is intended for physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, residents, medical and nursing students, and their colleagues who either administer vaccinations or set policy in the workplace. Anticipated topics include recommendations for influenza vaccination and an update of the influenza vaccine supply, meningococcal conjugate vaccine, acellular pertussis vaccine for adolescents, and revised varicella vaccination recommendations. Continuing education credit (2.5 hours of instruction) will be offered for various professions.

The program can be viewed via live web cast and will also be available for viewing for 30 days after the broadcast at http://www.phppo.cdc.gov/phtn/webcast/immup2005 Information about the satellite broadcast, web cast, and continuing education registration is available at http://www.phppo.cdc.gov/phtn/immup2005/default.asp Information on locations for viewing the satellite broadcast can be obtained from state distance-learning coordinators (http://www.cdc.gov/nip/ed/coordinators.htm).

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To access a web-text (HTML) version of the complete article, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5425a6.htm

To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of this issue of MMWR, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5425.pdf
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July 5, 2005
UPDATE: IAC REVISES EDUCATIONAL PIECES TO INCLUDE INFORMATION ON TWO NEWLY LICENSED VACCINES

IAC recently updated one patient-education piece and one professional-education piece to include information on the newly licensed meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) and tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap).

PATIENT-EDUCATION PIECE: The material in "Are you 11-19 years old? Then you need to be vaccinated against these serious diseases!" has been expanded and now contains information based on the new ACIP recommendations for preventing and controlling meningococcal disease. To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the updated piece, go to: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/11teens8.pdf

To access a web-text (HTML) version of it, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4020.htm

PROFESSIONAL-EDUCATION PIECE: Intended to assist health professionals in administering vaccines to children and adults, "Administering vaccines: Dose, route, site, and needle size," now has information on administering MCV4 vaccine and Tdap vaccine.

To access a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the updated piece, go to: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p3085.pdf

To access a web-text (HTML) version of it, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p3085.htm
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July 5, 2005
REMINDER: USE THESE ONLINE PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS TO ADVERTISE NATIONAL IMMUNIZATION AWARENESS MONTH IN AUGUST

August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). CDC's National Immunization Program and the National Partnership for Immunization have posted a broad range of promotional materials pertaining to NIAM on their websites. Use them during August to promote immunization across the lifespan in your community.

MATERIALS FROM CDC'S NATIONAL IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM (NIP)
NIP has created a web section of 2005 NIAM materials, including resources such as the immunization schedules for adults, adolescents, and children and the NIP publication "Parents Guide to Childhood Immunization."

To access the NIAM web section, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/events/niam/default.htm

MATERIALS FROM THE NATIONAL PARTNERSHIP FOR IMMUNIZATION (NPI)
NPI's page of promotional materials contains a variety of samples that you can adapt to publicize NIAM through the news media in your community. These include sample letters to the editor, press releases, talking points, and more.

To access them, go to:
http://www.partnersforimmunization.org/niam.html

The NPI site also offers patient-education materials such as brochures, bookmarks, stickers, and posters.

To access them, go to:
http://www.partnersforimmunization.org/niam_prkit.html
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July 5, 2005
CORRECTION: IAC REVISES INFORMATION IT PUBLISHED ABOUT CMS'S REIMBURSEMENT FOR ADMINISTERING INFLUENZA VACCINATIONS

In the May 2005 issues of the IAC print publications Needle Tips and Vaccinate Adults, we inadvertently passed along misinformation about the amount the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reimburses physicians for administering influenza vaccinations. In the article "Vaccine Highlights," we stated the following: "For example, payments for administering injectable influenza vaccine increased from $8 to $18."

This information, which we picked up from a CMS press release dated November 3, 2004, is somewhat misleading. The correct information is that the AVERAGE payment for administering injectable influenza vaccine increased from $8 to $18. We have corrected the online version of the "Vaccine Highlights" article. The sentence now reads, "For example, the average payment for administering injectable influenza vaccine increased from $8 to $18."

The staff of IAC regrets the error and apologizes for any inconvenience it may have caused our readers.

To access a web-text (HTML) version of the corrected "Vaccine Highlights" article in the May 2005 issue of Needle Tips, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/nslt.d/n32/vaccin32.htm

To access it in the May 2005 issue of Vaccinate Adults, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/va/va15vacc.htm
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July 5, 2005
VIS TRANSLATIONS: IAC POSTS HAITIAN CREOLE VISs FOR MEASLES-MUMPS-RUBELLA VACCINE AND PNEUMOCOCCAL CONJUGATE VACCINE

The current version of the VISs for measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR) and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) are now available on the IAC website in Haitian Creole. IAC gratefully acknowledges the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for the translations.

MMR VACCINE VIS (dated 1/15/03)
To obtain a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the VIS for MMR vaccine in Haitian Creole, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/vis/ha_mmr03.pdf

To obtain it in English, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/vis/mmr03.pdf

PCV7 VACCINE VIS (dated 9/30/02)
To obtain a ready-to-print (PDF) version of the VIS for PCV7 vaccine in Haitian Creole, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/vis/hapnPCV7.pdf

To obtain it in English, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/vis/pnPCV7.pdf

For information about the use of VISs, and for VISs in a total of 33 languages, visit IAC's VIS web section at http://www.immunize.org/vis
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July 5 2005
WHO'S EMAIL BULLETIN SERVICE "DISEASE OUTBREAK NEWS" REPORTS FIRST CASE OF POLIO IN ANGOLA SINCE 2001

On July 1, WHO's email bulletin service "Disease Outbreak News" said that the Ministry of Health of Angola reported a polio case. The bulletin service article is reprinted below in its entirety.

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On 24 June 2005, the Ministry of Health of Angola reported a polio case. Angola has not had a case of polio since 2001. A 17-month old girl with a previous history of oral polio vaccine (OPV) developed fever and paralysis in both legs on 25 April, in the metropolitan area of the capital, Luanda.

Genetic sequencing of the type-1 wild poliovirus shows that it originated in India. Virological and epidemiological evidence suggest a recent importation. The affected child and her family have no travel history. An investigation did not detect spread beyond the community.

Outreach from routine immunization services has been stepped up in advance of the campaign. The national routine immunization coverage of children against polio is estimated to be 45%.

A nationwide polio vaccination campaign is planned 29-31 July. Authorities are considering the use of a combination of monovalent oral polio vaccine (mOPV) in the immediate area of the case and trivalent oral polio vaccine in the rest of the country for maximum impact. This will be followed by another round in August.

Health authorities have immediately intensified Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance in the infected district and surrounding areas and WHO/African Region has notified neighboring countries.

Briefings with all community and religious leaders, non-governmental organizations and traditional healers are taking place in all municipalities of Luanda.

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